Portland State Universityhonored the labor-management partnership between the Oregon-Columbia chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 48, with its prestigious Urban Pioneer Award.

Working together, NECA-IBEW Local 48 has helped shape the Portland area, providing high-quality work to projects such as Rose Garden Arena, Portland International Airport and MAX Light Rail stations. The partnership is also deeply rooted in the community, providing all electrical work for Portland Habitat for Humanity homes and lighting PIL sports fields.

“Thanks to our partnership with IBEW Local 48, we’ve been able to implement the highest standards of safety and training, which is beneficial to our contractors, electricians and customers,” said Tim Gauthier, executive manager of NECA.

The award is now in its fifth year and honors state and community leaders who make substantial contributions to the political, social and physical landscape of Portland and Oregon.